July 14, 2014
Rachael Cornius-Randall , Advanced Learning Centre
At a Glance
Bio The path that led her to this point
As a young girl I always wanted to teach, I followed that path and have been in educational settings for the past 37 years!
I undertook my first university degree in 1991, studying teaching, and went on to work in government and non-government primary and secondary schools, whilst undertaking secondments within the NSW Department of Education and Training and working with Office of the Board of Studies and the Association for Independent Schools.
During these partnerships I focused on curriculum design, development and delivery. Over the past sixteen years I have been a member of HSC examination committees and continue to write HSC, preliminary and year 10 examinations in a range of subject areas.
In 2000, I was headhunted for an academic role within a university. During this time I have held many executive positions, completed a Master of Education, with distinction, and have been awarded for teaching excellence.
I am the co-author of three successful secondary textbooks and am passionate about every student having access to quality learning and resources to support the learning process.
In 2006, our first daughter was born, and I started to use my educational expertise to tutor a handful of students, whilst on maternity leave.
This little group grew, with our reputation, and RCR Tutoring and Consultancy was born.
In 2009, our second daughter arrived, and the business was still quite small, however due to growth and demand In 2013 we re-branded and I am now the proud Director of Advanced Learning Centre, a learning environment well known for its outstanding record of academic achievement and commitment to help each student reach their personal best.
I believe that deep learning takes place when the unique capabilities and talents of each individual student is recognised. I develop learning programs based on this so that learning is maximised at each stage and in all subject areas.
Last week I resigned from my academic position, after 14 years spent teaching undergraduate teachers how to actually teach! This was a big decision for my family and I, as I have loved this part of my career, however after much angst, the decision to nurture Advanced Learning Centre and concentrate on completing my second Masters degree, this time in Speech Pathology, has been made. What a lovely marriage speech pathology, education and Advanced Learning Centre will be!
Oh, and we have just been nominated for three Ausmumpreneur awards!
Q&A Insider advice & tips
What's been your greatest achievement to date?
Each client's successful, it is an achievement, whether it is moving up a reading level, finally passing a mathematics exam, or, due to our mentoring sessions, attending school for three days in a row! These are the goose bump moments that allow me to have gratitude and deep empathy for each and every child who comes through our door.
What's been your biggest challenge so far?
I have learnt that it is essential to handle each challenge when they arise, with a resourceful mindset and positive attitude. I now practice gratitude. Through this, I am reminded of the abundance life is already filled with, it shifted my perspective from fear and lack to love and abundance.
Best lesson you've learned along the way?
Have a positive attitude and view each problem as a challenge that can be overcome, something that you can learn and develop from - keep going and keep the faith! Oh and lastly, give back to your community whenever you can, it may only be in small ways at first, but nobody ever went broke from giving!
A website, book or resource that has helped you in your business or inspired you and why?
I am currently loving the AusMumpreneur network, Female Entrepreneur Association and Women in Business - each have been supporting and nurturing my mind and approach to business.
Which person or brand do you most admire and why?
I really admire Tina Tower, Team Captain at Begin Bright. Tina has built an idea, like Advanced Learning Centre, and turned it into a franchising mini-empire!
What advice would you give someone starting an independent business in your industry?
You need to find your focus – this is what gets you up in the morning, drives your day, gets you excited and inspired by what you are doing! My focus is looking at each day as an opportunity to make a difference to each child, no matter the age, who comes through our door.
Finish this sentence
Everything changed for me when…
Our two daughters were born and I decided to resign from my role as an academic.
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